Despite heightened regional tensions, UAE seeks de-escalation with Iran
The UAE government has been taking steps toward easing tensions with Iran as a safety precaution in the event of a major military conflict between Tehran and Washington.
Only four months ago, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif publicly included United Arab Emirates Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed in the "B-Team" of warmongers alongside US national security adviser John Bolton, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The four, according to the top Iranian diplomat, have been busy persuading US President Donald Trump to ignite an unnecessary war with Iran.
The past four months have witnessed a series of fast-paced developments in the Persian Gulf, with the entire region pushed to the brink of serious conflict. Surprisingly, however, ties between Iran and the UAE are improving as the two seem to be more or less on a de-escalation track.
On May 12, several oil tankers were sabotaged with multiple explosions near the UAE Port of Fujairah. One month later, a Taiwan-bound vessel carrying Emirati oil also came under attack in the Sea of Oman. While US government officials implicated Iran and its proxies, Abu Dhabi resorted to caution and refrained from leveling any accusation against Tehran.
Only a week before the attack, the UAE had declared a policy reversal in war-torn Yemen, where it has been a key member of the Saudi coalition fighting Houthi rebels. The UAE's new Yemen approach was a "peace-first strategy" as opposed to a "military-first strategy." That meant a dramatic drawdown in a war that has long been criticized by the Islamic Republic. Many in Iran would, therefore, interpret the new Emirati strategy as an effort to reduce tensions with Tehran.
